The sciatic nerve is the body’s largest, extending from the nerve roots in the lower back (mainly the L4 and L5 vertebrae), through the buttocks, back of the thighs and the calves, and all the way to the feet. It sends nerve impulses to peripheral (outer) areas, allowing us to control our lower limbs with our muscles.
Symptoms of sciatic nerve irritation (sciatica)
Pain usually starts as lumbago (lower-back strain) and gets progressively worse, also creating numbness and burning sensations along part or all of the nerve’s length. Patients often feel a sore spot in the buttock that spreads to the back or the side of the thigh, then to the calf or tibia, and occasionally right down to the foot. Sufferers get the impression the nerve is pinched in the buttock or is simply too short.
More severe cases can cause a loss of sensation, reduce strength and hinder reflexes.
Causes of sciatica:
Sciatica is most often caused by herniated:
- discs (main cause)
- pinched or bulging discs
- muscle or joint imbalances in the pelvis or lumbar vertebrae
- osteoarthritis and tissue or bone degeneration in the lower backbone
Treating sciatica:
- Depending on the cause of your sciatica, we can provide relief through muscle treatment, exercises or stretching
- Some patients also undergo joint and vertebral manipulations performed by trained healthcare professionals like chiropractors
If the sciatica doesn’t respond to these therapies, spinal decompression provides a very high success rate, with patients noticing results in as little as a few weeks.
Lower-back dysfunction that causes pain in your legs must be addressed as quickly as possible and prevented from progressing and complicating treatment. Act fast and make your appointment today.
